Pew Oceans Commission - October E-Newsletter
Pew Oceans Commission... connecting people and science to sustain
marine life.
http://www.pewoceans.org
October 28, 2002
Ocean ecosystems need greater protection, says new Commission report
A new science report from Pew Oceans, The Ecological Effects of Fishing
in Marine Ecosystems of the United States, will be released today in Santa
Barbara, California at the California and World Ocean Conference.
You can
download the full report at the Pew Oceans Web site.
The report was authored by Paul Dayton of Scripps Institution of
Oceanography, Simon Thrush of the National Institute of Water and
Atmosphere Research (New Zealand), and Felicia Coleman of Florida State
University. The report is the latest in a series of report prepared for
the Pew Oceans Commission. Previous reports has have reviewed pollution,
coastal sprawl, invasive species, and aquaculture. Upcoming reports and
white papers will cover fishery management, economics of fishing, and
marine reserves.
The authors find overwhelming evidence that the unintended consequences
of fishing on marine ecosystems are “severe, dramatic, and in some cases,
irreversible.” And that many current fishing activities are harming the
very ecosystems on which future fishing depends, and that this phenomenon
is worsening.
The report finds that certain fishing activities can:
- Deplete populations, which alter food webs and ecosystems;
- Remove top predators, thereby disrupting predator-prey
relationships;
- Endanger marine mammals, seabirds, sea turtles, and certain species
of fish; and
- Alter the structure, function, productivity, and resilience of
marine habitats.
They propose a new approach to fishery management based upon (1) a
major commitment to understanding and monitoring ocean ecosystems and (2)
a proactive and adaptive approach founded upon ecosystem-based planning
and marine zoning.
Read a
summary or download the full report now.
Commission chair Panetta urges ocean conservation in California
Op-ed
Pew Oceans Commission Chair Leon Panetta calls for swift action to
restore and maintain America’s oceans. Mr. Panetta’s op-ed appeared in the
Santa Barbara News on October 27 in conjunction with the California and
the World Ocean Conference.
“For centuries, we have treated the oceans as an infinite resource
beyond our capacity to over exploit or harm. We now know that this is not
true. Our oceans are more vulnerable—-and more valuable—-than we ever
imagined.”
“Scientists tell us that it is not too late to act. The oceans can
recover.” He cautions, however, that time is running out and outlines the
immediate steps needed to save our oceans.
Read the Panetta op-ed.
Copyright 2002 Pew Oceans Commission
